01. Am I eligible to apply? Is there a G.P.A. requirement? [return to top]
Students are required to be 18 years of age and have a minimum GPA of 2.80. Students with a GPA less than a 2.80 will be considered on an individual basis, and should contact the Study Abroad Italy office to discuss enrollment.

02. Do you cater for students with Learning/Physical difficulties? [return to top]
Study Abroad Italy is dedicated to providing education abroad opportunities to students with physical disabilities or learning difficulties. If you experience any learning difficulties (e.g. dyslexia) which may interfere with your ability to pursue an academic course, and which you wish to be taken into account, please notify Study Abroad Italy during your application. Although we may not be able to offer any specialized instruction or resources, we can offer understanding and respect, and will do our best to replicate any assistance (extra time in tests, etc.) offered at the student's home institutions. Regarding physical disability, it is important to note that Italy’s infrastructure and ability to accommodate disabled individuals differs from what is available in the United States. Among our program choices, certain sites are better equipped to assist students with disabilities than others. As this may be a factor in choosing which SAI program abroad to attend, please notify us of any and all disabilities before application.

03. Can I get a scholarship or other financial aid? [return to top]
SAI awards a number of full and partial tuition scholarships each term. See our page on scholarships for details.

04. Can non-US students enroll? [return to top]
Yes. The Mediterranean Center for Arts and Sciences (MCAS) is an international institute catering to students from all over the world. The presence of students of many nationalities stimulates cultural exchange and enriches the scholastic environment.

05. What programs does the school offer? [return to top]
At the Mediterranean Center for Arts and Sciences (MCAS) in Sicily, Study Abroad Italy is pleased to offer undergraduate students the following programs: Semester; Summer; Intersession.

See our program pages for details.

06. Does the School offer excursions or field-trips? [return to top]
MCAS offers a variety of opportunities to explore Sicily, from inclusive academic field trips, program tours, volunteer programs to a choice of extended optional excursions. The SAI program coordinator also offers a series of additional optional day excursions each semester. For further information, contact the MCAS Admissions Officer in our California office.

A significant number of MCAS courses especially conduct classes on-site and include field trips to other parts of the island. For details of specific academic field trips please consult the individual course descriptions. Students are advised not to make any prior arrangements for travel during the semester before the excursions and activities calendar has been confirmed on-site. Please note that the costs of all field trips are included in the tuition.

MCAS also organizes a series of program inclusive historical orientation tours to various destinations within Sicily.

Scheduled Program Excursions for the Fall & Spring semesters:

• MCAS Historical Orientation Tour: Day trip to Ortigia
• MCAS Historical Orientation Tour: Day trip to Syracuse
• MCAS Historical Orientation Tour: Day trip to Catania
• MCAS Historical Orientation Tour: Two day/one night excursion to Palermo
• MCAS Historical Orientation Tour: Three day/two night excursion to Western Sicily

Scheduled Program Excursions for the Fall & Spring semesters:

• MCAS Historical Orientation Tour: Day trip to Ortigia
• MCAS Historical Orientation Tour: Day trip to Catania

The posted semester calendars list the dates for this year’s scheduled program excursions. Each term, in addition to the program excursions, MCAS offer extended faculty led trips to the Aeolian Islands, Capri/Pompeii/Naples, or, in the summer sessions, to Taormina. For details of these extended excursions click on Optional Excursions.

07. Is the School accredited? Can I get US academic credit? [return to top]
US academic credit will be awarded for all classes successfully completed at MCAS. Please see our page on US credits for information on credits and transcripts.

08. How do the course numbers work? [return to top]
Classes at MCAS are numbered according to the following scheme:

09. What is the grading system? [return to top]
Classes at MCAS are graded according to the following scheme:

10. Are courses taught in English? [return to top]
Since MCAS is an international and not an exclusively Italian school, all courses are taught in English with the exception of Italian language (immersion style for English-speakers) and other classes marked "in Italian" in the catalogue and class schedules.

11. Who teaches at the school? [return to top]
The MCAS faculty is international. Most have PhD's in their field, while others hold Masters Degrees. Each of them lives and teaches in Sicily because of their love for the island and its fascinating history. Many faculty members teach also at the University of Catania, or are conducting research while teaching. All instructors are fluent in English.

12. How many students are in each class?[return to top]
Class sizes at MCAS range from 5-15 students.

13. Do I have to take Italian? [return to top]
Semester students must take at least three credits of Italian language as part of their program; choosing from the many Italian language courses offered. It is a definite enhancement to your study abroad experience to study the language of the country in which you are living. Language can be a way of understanding a culture; idioms and language use give us a clue to how people think or approach life. In rare cases we will consider a petition from a student to be permitted to eliminate Italian language from their schedule. Those students should submit a letter of explanation to the MCAS Admissions Officer, but please keep in mind that Italian language is considered an integral part of your study abroad experience, so only very strong reasons will be considered.

Summer session students are not required to take Italian language.

14. Do I need to take placement exams? [return to top]
An Italian language placement exam is administered to those students with some knowledge of Italian who plan to enroll in an Italian course. The exam is used to determine the student’s level of proficiency in order to ensure correct course selection. All placement exams are administered during week one.

15. Do I have to buy books or pay any lab fees when I arrive? [return to top]
All course descriptions found on this site (see our catalog pages) include a list of any required textbooks (the average cost is $30-$50 per class). If there is no required text listed, that course does not have a textbook requirement. Students should pre-purchase all required books for those courses in which they are enrolled. The MCAS library provides supplementary research materials and should not be thought of as a substitute for purchasing you own books. All Italian language course books will be available for purchase at MCAS.

Supplies: Art supplies can be purchased locally. Certain supplies can be more expensive in Italy however, and it may be wise to bring some basic art supplies with you. Upon acceptance, students will receive more detailed information regarding required materials, their availability and cost. In general, students can expect to spend approximately € 200 on materials per art course. For Drawing, Painting and Photography classes you should expect to pay an additional Studio Fee of up to € 100 per class.

Photography students must have their own 35 mm single-lens reflex manual operation camera, and be prepared to purchase their own film and paper. Students may want to bring B&W film with them to Italy, but should be aware that the x-ray machinery at airports may damage it. It is wise to have your camera checked, or shoot a test roll of film, before leaving for Italy, as you do not want to arrive and discover that your camera does not work.

MCAS DOES NOT charge lab fees for any classes involving field trips.

16. Do I need a visa? [return to top]
All students must obtain a student visa (see our page on visas). Upon acceptance SAI will send you the application procedures for your student visa. It is very important that you start this process as soon as you are enrolled in the program, as the procedure will take time. For some Italian Consulates, SAI is able to handle the visa processing for you and the fee for this service can be found below on the costs page.

17. How do I travel to Italy? [return to top]
Student should arrange to fly into Catania Airport. See our travel advice page for information.

18. Are there group flights? [return to top]
Group flights are not offered through Study Abroad Italy; students must make their own flight arrangements.

19. Can I arrange an airport pickup? [return to top]
All SAI students arriving at Catania airport during the official check-in dates will be met by an SAI representative who will coordinate shuttle transfer to the school for program check-in, apartment check-in and cell phone pick-up. After check-in students and their baggage will be taken directly to their apartment. This service is at no cost to the student, covered by program cost.

20. Can the Host School store advanced shipments of my belongings? [return to top]
We recommend that you do not ship your belongings to Sicily unless you will be there to receive them. MCAS has no facility to store shipments.

21. Where is the School located?[return to top]
The largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily’s strategically desirable location has set the stage for a colorful past. Inhabited since prehistoric times, Sicily has been shaped culturally and physically by each of her rulers and the resulting mixture of architecture and tradition represents the whole of Western civilization’s history and culture. The city and province of Syracuse boasts a wealth of archaeological and architectural remains, ranging from Classical to Baroque and from Gothic to Arabesque, reflecting the uniquely diverse and oftentimes overlapping historical narratives of Sicily. The historic center of Syracuse is located on the small island of Ortigia, separated by bridge from modern Syracuse and home to The Mediterranean Center for Arts and Science.

Mediterranean Center for Arts and Sciences
Via Roma 124
96100 Syracuse - Italy
Tel. +39 0931 449262
Fax. +39 0931 449259

22. What is city like? Is it safe? [return to top]
Syracuse poses no special threat to visitors in either health or safety. It is perfectly safe to drink water from a faucet and to eat at any restaurant. As elsewhere in Italy, pickpockets are a menace, especially in crowds, on buses, and near the train station. Women traveling alone will draw attention from Lothario-types, and walking alone after dark should be avoided (take a Taxi).

23. What's the best map/guide book? [return to top]
Most good bookstores have maps of European countries and cities. The best series of guide books for Italy are the Blue Guide series. In addition to maps, these guides will provide you with cultural and historical information as well as restaurants and hotel suggestions. Blue guides are published for Southern Italy, Northern Italy (including Milan), Florence, Rome and Sicily.

24. What will the weather be like/what shall I wear? [return to top]
Fall Term
The hottest months in Sicily tend to be August and early September, so be prepared for very warm weather. Temperatures will reach into the high nineties accompanied by some humidity. The temperatures from the end of October to the end of February are generally chilly and windy, and you can expect rain. It can get rather cold during these months, so pack some heavy clothes; socks, sweaters and a coat.

Spring Term
Weather during the spring semester will require both cold and warm weather clothing. Most of the rain falls in the winter and spring months from the end of October until about the middle of April. Even during the late winter and early spring when the days are sunny and pleasant, it can get quite cold during the days and evenings, especially in Ortigia located on the sea front. January and February are cold and the best months for skiing Mount Etna. Heating is expensive in Italy, so be sure to bring enough warm clothing to keep you warm inside and out. Slippers are a great idea for lounging in your apartment. From April to the end of the term, the weather can get quite hot and summer-like.

Summer Term
Expect the summer to be HOT. Keep in mind, however, that in early summer (June) the evenings can be cool. Include in your wardrobe, jeans, light shirts and light jackets for the evenings.

What to Wear
Remember to layer! The weather can go from warm to quite cool rather quickly. Living on the sea requires adapting to rapidly changing weather patterns. It is always a good idea to bring comfortable shoes and clothing because you will be doing a lot of walking. Also, many excursions will require you to come in contact with rugged terrain, such as to Mt. Etna and the Aeolian Islands. In fact, the coastline of Sicily, apart from the sand beaches, can be quite rugged.

Italians normally do not wear shorts unless they are at the beach. American visitors to Italy are invariably identifiable by wearing shorts and flip-flops in public. While this is more a cultural choice, you should not wear shorts, sleeveless blouses or t-shirts when entering Italian churches or other holy places as a sign of respect. You may notice that, in general, Italians dress slightly more formally than Americans. It is not uncommon to see men dressed in shirt and tie and women in elegant attire when they go out on the town or on a Sunday stroll through the Piazza Duomo.

25. Where will I live? [return to top]
Although you are free to arrange your own accommodation SAI, with our rental agency partners, offers shared student apartments located in Syracuse within walking distance of the school.

Study Abroad Italy aims to create a comfortable living environment for each student by providing safe, well maintained student-level housing. We offer quality apartments and our staff will be on hand to greet and help orient you to your new city, and will remain available throughout the school term to answer questions and help with maintenance needs that may arise.

See our housing page for details.

The Mediterranean Center is located in the historic center of Syracuse and all student apartments are in comfortable, shared apartments, each unique in age, floor plan, and number of bedrooms. Students automatically receive a double occupancy room, but may request a single occupancy room for an additional fee. Apartments are fully furnished and have a living room, a kitchen with basic utensils, supplies and bed linens . Most apartments have washing machines. Italian apartments do not have dryers.

26. What furnishings will be in my apartment? [return to top]
Each student shared apartment is equipped with the following:
— basic kitchen supplies
— furnishings
— one set of sheets per student
— washing machine and iron

Apartments are NOT equipped with: towels (students should pack or purchase towels in Syracuse); telephones (students can use their cell phones); clothes dryers (Sicilians use clothes lines).

27. Will I have a phone? [return to top]
Study Abroad Italy provides all students with rental cell phones free of charge for the duration of their stay in Italy. No charges are made for incoming calls and text messaging received while in Italy. If a student opts to use the cell phone to make outgoing calls and/or text messages, relevant charges will be billed on a call by call basis.

For registration and billing information see: http://www.studentcells.com

28. How do I receive mail in Italy? [return to top]
Even though you may be in your own apartment or living with a family in Syracuse, your name is not likely to appear on the mailbox. Have all mail sent to you at the school. Your mail should be addressed to:

Student Name
c/o Mediterranean Center for Arts and Sciences
Via Roma 124
96100 Syracuse - Italy

29. Should I bring my laptop computer? [return to top]
It is recommended that you bring a personal laptop. A laptop however is not necessary for your courses at MCAS and students may choose to use the computers at the school.

30. What about Internet access? [return to top]
MCAS is wireless and students can either use their personal laptops or the fixed computers in the MCAS computer lab.

31. How should I handle money while abroad? [return to top]
We suggest that you arrive with enough traveler's checks to pay for your initial costs (essential food items, books and supplies, etc.). After that it is best to use your ATM card to withdraw money from your US account as needed. ATM cards are probably the easiest way to handle money; there are plenty of compatible ATMs in Syracuse. Check with your bank to ensure that your PIN number is valid in Europe. When planning major expenditures, remember that you will have the same daily withdrawal limit (about $300) as at home. ATMs in Syracuse have instructions in English.

Try to keep 150 euro in cash with you at all times in case of possible emergencies. There are three basic ways of obtaining euros in Italy: traveler’s checks, ATMs and credit cards.
Traveler's checks in U.S. dollars are widely accepted. In Europe, US traveler's checks often get a better exchange rate than plain cash. American Express traveler's checks can be cashed anywhere.

32. What's the exchange rate for Euro? [return to top]
For exact current figures: Currency Converter

33. What is the cost of living? [return to top]
The cost of living in Syracuse, and all of Sicily, is among the lowest in Italy. In Syracuse, a cappuccino costs about $1.00. Compared to the US fruits and vegetables are a less expensive than in the States, especially if you buy them at the open market. Telephones, on the other hand, are more expensive in Italy, as is energy in general (gas, electricity, gasoline), so things tend to even out. If you cook in your own house, you can live relatively cheaply. Italian consulates expect you to have about $1,000 - $1,200 per month for your stay in Italy. Depending on personal choice it is possible for your living costs to be under this number.

34. Can I get a Job in Italy? [return to top]
Legally, you are not permitted to work as a foreign student in Italy. The school cannot be helpful to you in securing work.

35. Am I Insured? [return to top]
Study Abroad Italy automatically provides all students with HTH Worldwide Insurance "Health Select Overseas Policy". prior to your departure, you will receive an email explanation of benefits, as well as instructions on how to print your ID card from HTH and an "HTH (UNICARE) Authorization Form". This form must be completed, signed and brought with you to Orientation in Syracuse.

See our insurance page for details.

36. Sample budget [return to top]